Chapter 191: Feather on His Back
“Hmm?” Jayad put down the Bible and looked at me with some surprise, not expecting me to make such a suggestion.
“There’s still space in this bathtub, and the water will get cold soon, so why not come in and take a hot bath together?” I said.
I was more concerned about him painstakingly carrying buckets of water and starting a fire to heat it, then pouring it into the bathtub, all to fulfill my daily desire to bathe.
Each time, Jayad would wait nearby for me to finish before coming in. It felt like he was using what I had left. Being taken care of like this always made me feel guilty.
Jayad didn’t actually feel it was hard work. Ever since he became a Holy Knight, as long as his Holy Light wasn’t depleted, his strength was practically inexhaustible. He could carry ten buckets of water without even breaking a sweat.
However, since it was Parul’s invitation, he would gladly accept. Jayad hadn’t been waiting out of any sense of propriety, purely because he thought the bathtub wasn’t big enough for two people to fit comfortably.
Furthermore, after getting used to Parul’s habit of bathing every day, Jayad found that he had also come to enjoy bathing. His whole body felt comfortable and relaxed when he soaked in the water, and he felt refreshed after washing.
He had never realized such enjoyment before. Now that he had experienced the pleasure, Jayad couldn’t go back to his old ways. He enthusiastically fetched water every day, of course, more for Parul’s sake.
So, Jayad directly started undressing. There was no need to be modest; he used to wash with Parul often. It was only in public that he needed to be mindful; in private, there was no need for courtesies.
As I watched Jayad undress, I noticed that his body had become a bit more sturdier without me realizing it. Although he hadn’t grown muscles yet, he was no longer in a state of malnutrition where his ribs were visible.
The improvement was immediate with better food. It was remarkable that Jayad ate better than before, even with me, a glutton and a big eater, by his side. This showed how much MacDuff had exploited him back then.
Of course, I had also deliberately given him better quality food and told him the importance of improving his diet. Next, I would continue to optimize his meal plan, helping Jayad develop a habit of balanced nutrition, maybe he would develop a strong physique in the future?
Jayad finished undressing quickly and climbed into the bathtub. As soon as he entered, the water level rose significantly, almost overflowing.
Oh dear, I miscalculated a bit. This bathtub wasn’t as big as I thought. The reason I felt it was spacious was because I had plenty of room to move around inside, making me feel like another person could fit.
However, I was using Parul’s petite figure as a reference. Jayad was considerably broader than me. When he entered, it felt a bit cramped, and he was almost pressing against me.
“Is it really okay? Parul, should I get out first?” Jayad also noticed that the bathtub was becoming crowded.
“Ah, no need. You’re already in, why go out and get wet again? You’ll catch a cold. I just need to… Hmm! Adjust my position like this.” I shifted back. This bathtub could still accommodate two children.
However, this way, I could only sit half-reclined, with my legs crossed facing Jayad. Before, I had been lying down in the bathtub, and our bodies would naturally touch.
“Hmm? Is it okay, Parul? Why does your face seem to be turning red?” Jayad asked with confusion.
“Ah? No, nothing. It’s, the water’s too hot, yes, the water’s a bit hot,” I hastily explained. What was happening? My face was so hot, and I even felt a little shy.
They were both boys, weren’t they? Why should I be shy? Or was it because we were too close? Did our bodies touching make me feel embarrassed?
“Parul, let me help you wipe your body,” Jayad said, picking up a towel.
“Ah? N-no, it’s fine! I can do it myself!” I quickly refused.
“Uh?” Jayad was a bit perplexed. A few days ago, when Parul was sick, he had helped wipe her body, so why was she unwilling now? And her reaction was so strong.
It was a joke! Just being looked at by him made me instinctively want to turn away. If he were to touch me again, any strange reaction was possible.
Jayad and I soaked in the same bathtub, washing ourselves separately. Even so, I felt my body getting hotter and my heart beating faster, and time seemed to pass so slowly.
Finally, we were done. Fortunately, Jayad, as a man, washed quickly. Otherwise, I wasn’t sure if I would have endured it and slipped out first, or fainted in the bathtub.
How embarrassing. I was the one who suggested we wash together, and yet I became so shy. Why? Was this normal? Damn it!
Just then, Jayad turned over and climbed out of the tub. However, I was drawn to something strange on his back, “Wait!”
“Hmm?” Jayad turned his head back in confusion.
“Behind you, there seems to be something dirty,” I said. Jayad wasn’t really serious about his bath; how could there be something dirty on his back?
“Let me help you take it off,” I reached out and pinched something fluffy. It felt a bit like a feather. Did Jayad go steal chickens from a coop today?
I gave a gentle pull. Hmm? It was stuck quite tightly. No wonder Jayad hadn’t washed it off earlier. I pulled harder.
“Hiss! Parul, why are you pulling me?” Jayad asked in confusion.
“I’m not pulling you; I just wanted to help you pull off those feathers… Wait a minute!” I suddenly exclaimed, startling Jayad so much that he almost fell out of the tub.
“Don’t move. Turn in one direction. Yes, turn so your back is towards the fireplace’s light.” I ignored my earlier shyness and stood up. Whatever was on Jayad’s back gave me a bad premonition, just like a few days ago.
The reason I hadn’t noticed it during my bath was that the room was too dark, lit only by the fireplace. Plus, he was submerged in water, making it unclear. Now that Jayad had turned towards the light, I could finally see clearly.
On his back, two feathers had grown, white feathers sprouting directly from his flesh, one on each side. They were larger than those of ordinary birds and felt a bit harder to the touch.
This location reminded me of a legendary creature: angels, messengers of God with two wings growing from their backs.
Although Jayad hadn’t grown wings yet, this location made it seem like he would. But I felt no joy; instead, I became more worried.
Looking at the insect shells on my own body, which I hadn’t gotten rid of yet, Jayad’s body was also undergoing changes. And the history book I read today kept lingering in my mind.
What exactly was the calamity of the angels? Why did a respected Pope turn into a beast? Why was he hunted by his own people in the Church?
